"PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering: Particle Transport in Porous Media in Subsurface Carbon Storage Applications"

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) strategies aim to mitigate climate change in the support of the UK’s net-zero target for 2050. However, injection of CO2 into deep saline aquifers initiate a series of geochemical reactions leading to mineral dissolution followed by the precipitation of secondary minerals. From a fluid dynamics perspective, the newly formed solids can be regarded as particles suspended within the pore-scale flow. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the transport, migration, and accumulation of precipitated particles in CO2–water–rock systems using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with discrete element method (DEM).

The research outcomes will provide critical insights into the microscale transport phenomena relevant to subsurface storage performance, including permeability evolution and CO2 containment. Furthermore, the framework developed here can be extended to related fields such as contaminant transport, geothermal systems, and mineral recovery.

The ideal candidate will hold

• A strong background in CFD and/or DEM,
• A strong numerical background with proficient programming skills,
• Strong motivation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team,
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with research partners.

This position provides a unique chance for a highly motivated researcher to contribute meaningfully to innovative computational modelling focused on achieving net-zero goals.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 Years

Sponsor

EPSRC

Supervisors

Dr Amir Fard (Main supervisor)

Dr Sadegh Nadimi (Co-supervisor)

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here.

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.